Recovery the keyword in 2010 for global pork market

Despite an expected slow economy recovery in 2010, pork demand next year will increase slightly in the EU and in emerging countries, as globally, pork production looks set for an increase.

Growth in this year's pork production will mainly take place in China, which produces more than 50 percent of the world’s pork, and in Brazil.

Russia's pork output will grow by seven percent this year as the federation strives to reduce its dependency on imported pork.

Next year, pork production will grow in all major regions of the world except the US and Canada.

China's production will grow due to an increase in government support, low feed prices and an increase in veterinary care. Brazil and Russia will grow four percent while the EU will grow two percent.

On the other hand, American pork producers might find it hard to regain profitability, increasing the pressure on the launch of additional assistance programmes which aim to boost the US pork market and to fight against pig diseases.

Overall in 2010, the global pork market will continue to recover from the recession, pandemic AH1N1 flu and relatively high unemployment rate in major countries. In addition, importers will be the main factors which will limit the pace of recovery of the world's production and trade.